The pastor of a Lansingburgh Baptist church plans to give away an AR-15 assault rifle to the winner of a free raffle at an upcoming Sunday service.

A provocative flier he distributed rallied supporters of gun rights and stirred controversy among anti-gun advocates and some who considered it un-Christian.

The Rev. John Koletas, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, said the service and gun raffle are aimed at "honoring hunters and gun owners who have been so viciously attacked by the antichristian socialist media and antichristian socialist politicians the last few years," according to a letter he posted on the church website.

Koletas, who works as a Rensselaer County court reporter, said he wanted to show support for Second Amendment rights.

"I'm just trying to be a blessing and a help to the gun owners and the hunters and give away a free AR-15," he said. "It's the right thing to do."

Glenn Beck has made quite a bit out of this fact. IIRC, the “Great Awakening” spiritual movement began about the same general time frame as the lead-in to the American Revolution, which makes sense to all but the Left.

12
posted on 03/06/2014 8:05:09 AM PST
by Pecos
(The Chicago Way: Kill the Constitution, one step at a time.)

Luke 22:36 - Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

While there are many considerations and many demands on our time and assets, Jesus would tell us that arming ourselves with the best weapons available in our time is a part of being a good follower of His Word.

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

Jesus would also counsel moderation - balancing that need against other needs rather than strapping on dozens of swords (firearms) per person.

14
posted on 03/06/2014 9:12:03 AM PST
by Pollster1
("Shall not be infringed" is unambiguous.)

I've seen these versed used for pro-gun purposes. If I read the above verse in that context, then how could two swords be enough for the eleven disciples? Just asking.

I think the point is that (while Jesus would shortly thereafter tell disciples not to defend him personally with the sword), they would be both permitted and expected to physically defend themselves once He was gone. He also did not want them to make weapons central to their work as might have been the case if they were all armed. I see this as one of many examples of the same message we see in Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Self-defense? Yes. Allowing that task to interfere with their primary mission? No.

17
posted on 03/06/2014 10:27:46 AM PST
by Pollster1
("Shall not be infringed" is unambiguous.)

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